On Monday, it was announced that Argentina will see what is projected to be the largest private investment in recent years, amounting to US$ 18 billion primarily in mining ventures. This comes on the heels of an attempted investment in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant by YPF and the Malaysian firm Petronas last year, which had touted a potential US$ 30 billion investment but ultimately did not materialize. The announcement signals a renewed confidence in the investment landscape of the country, particularly in the mining sector, which is crucial given Argentina's rich mineral resources.

The mining company Vicuña Corp., a joint venture formed in July 2024 between the Australian mining giant BHP and Canadian company Lundin Mining, unveiled plans for two ambitious projects located in northern Argentina—Josemaría and Filo del Sol. These projects involve the extraction of copper, gold, and silver, with Filo del Sol having a portion of its territory straddling the border with Chile, highlighting the international aspect of mineral resource management. The investment will initially see an outlay of US$ 7 billion allocated for the period from 2027 to 2030, aligning with expected timelines for production commencement.

As the project moves forward, key phases such as design and engineering development will continue into 2026, along with the procurement of necessary resources. This large scale investment not only stands to benefit the local economy in San Juan, but it also reinforces Argentina's position as a significant player in the global mining market, potentially attracting further foreign investment and infrastructure development in the future. The implications of this investment are broad, impacting job creation, economic growth, and foreign relations, particularly with Chile, given the geographical overlap of the projects.